External Affairs and Policy Coordinator

Job Description: Overview Deriva Energy  is a leading Independent Power Producer in the US renewables market, with over 6.5GW of operating or under construction wind, solar and storage projects across the country.  Join a dynamic team committed to excellence and innovation who envision a future of energy independence using resilient, carbon-free generation. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving renewable energy industry.  Deriva empowers customers with innovative clean energy solutions that strengthen communities and serve future generations Summary Deriva Energy is seeking a dynamic and talented External Affairs and Policy Coordinator to join our team reporting to the Vice President of External Affairs, Regulatory Strategy, and Communications. The External Affairs & Policy Coordinator supports Deriva’s government relations, regulatory engagement, and public policy strategy across state and federal markets. Sitting at the intersection of project development and advocacy, this role tracks legislative and regulatory activity, builds stakeholder relationships, and coordinates cross-functional policy work to advance the company's renewable energy portfolio. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can translate complex policy landscapes into actionable intelligence for development, legal, and commercial teams. This position will be located at Deriva Energy Headquarters located in Charlotte, NC. Main Responsibilities Policy monitoring & analysis Track federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory activity relevant to renewable energy development, permitting, interconnection, and energy markets Produce timely policy briefs, memos, and executive summaries translating complex developments into business-relevant insights Monitor relevant proceedings at FERC, ISOs/RTOs, state utility commissions, and legislatures; flag material risks and opportunities to leadership Maintain a living policy tracker covering priority states and issue areas including siting, tax credits (ITC/PTC), transmission, and clean energy standards Stakeholder engagement & government relations Build and maintain relationships with state legislators, regulatory staff, local officials, and community leaders in markets where projects are active or in development Coordinate with contract lobbyists; prepare briefing materials, talking points, and testimony as needed Represent the company at stakeholder meetings, coalition calls, trade association working groups, and public hearings Support public engagement efforts for early-stage projects, including community outreach events and local government presentations Cross-functional coordination Serve as the primary liaison between the External Affairs team and development, permitting, legal, and origination teams on policy-related matters Organize and facilitate internal policy calls with subject-matter experts; develop reports and materials to inform commercial decisions Support management of political contributions budget and trade association membership activities in accordance with company policies Manage external affairs calendar including legislative session schedules, regulatory comment deadlines, and filing timelines Advocacy & communications support Draft regulatory comments, policy position papers, coalition letters, and advocacy materials for review by senior staff Coordinate with communications team to align external messaging on policy priorities Research and prepare background reports on emerging issues, political landscape, and competitive dynamics in priority markets Administrative & operational support Manage calendars for senior External Affairs leadership, including scheduling meetings with government officials, trade association partners, and internal stakeholders Process and submit expense reports for senior staff in a timely and accurate manner, ensuring compliance with company travel and expense policies Prepare meeting agendas, take notes, and track action items for senior leadership and team calls Maintain organized records of government contacts, lobbying activity logs, and political contribution documentation Assist with onboarding materials, team communications, and department budget tracking as needed Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Policy, or related field Bachelor's degree AND one (1) year or more of related work experience In lieu of bachelor's degree, high school diploma/GED AND five (5) years or more years of related work experience Desired Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Policy, or related field Three (3) or more years of experience in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Policy, or related field Previous Deriva Energy internship experience Proven experience with at least three years in government affairs, stakeholder engagement, communications, preferably within the energy or a related industry Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear and compelling messages for diverse audiences Demonstrated experience in event coordination and project management Ability to work effectively and maintain flexibility in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams Working Conditions This position is located in Charlotte, NC This is a in-office position with opportunity to work remotely once per week; employees should live within a reasonable daily commute to the designated office location Benefits Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance 401(k) with matching Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Additional Information: Applicants m